Join Us to See Our Client Off to Prison!
From the outside, the greeting card appears to be an invitation to a cocktail party or a grand opening. The classy navy-blue design on the cover is set off against an equally classy corporate logo of the Winthrop Couchot law firm in Newport Beach.
The message inside, however, surprised me: “Winthrop Couchot Professional Corp. is pleased to announce that it is representing Classic Limousines Inc., in its Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings. Classic Limousines is a worldwide leader in the manufacture and sale of luxury-class limousines and customized vehicles.”
The card goes on to give a synopsis of the Fountain Valley-based company and then identifies the two Winthrop Couchot attorneys handling the bankruptcy proceeding.
There’s no shame in declaring Chapter 11. So far this year, 378 companies have filed in federal court from California’s central district. Companies large and small use the reorganization window to right themselves.
I just never thought of it as greeting-card material, along the lines of “Join Us in Celebrating the Birth of Our Baby!” or “Mr. and Mrs. Harold Smith Are Proud to Announce the Marriage of Their Daughter Ann to Mr. James Fielding.”
Imagine Brian Rauls’ surprise. He’s the chief financial officer of the limousine company and didn’t know of the card’s existence until I read it to him. He didn’t seem upset but didn’t want to comment further.
Garrick Hollander, one of the lawyers handling the case, said the card is a cousin of a method used by firms such as Wall Street investment companies to trumpet their successes.
For a law firm like Winthrop Couchot, he says, the card is a way of advertising itself and letting interested parties know of a Chapter 11 situation. And by openly acknowledging a bankruptcy, it may help lessen what some still consider a stigma, he says.
While a generational divide still exists over white-collar advertising, Hollander notes, today’s legal world is more dog-eat-dog than ever. Throughout corporate America, he says, “marketing is a big issue, and you’ve got to get your name out there.”
I think they’re on to something. Why should clients and lawyers be so self-conscious about such a big moment in their lives?
To that end, the public acknowledgment should expand beyond the relatively mundane world of corporate law. The untapped world of criminal law beckons.
Consider the possibilities ...
“The firm of Musgrave & Sims is pleased to announce its representation of Lawrence “Knuckles” Mulcahy, a long-standing civic leader in our community currently embroiled in ongoing unpleasantness with the federal government over racketeering charges.”
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“Have you heard of the kidnap charges against Morton Spires? The firm of Trundle & Evers proudly invites you to attend a daylong meet-and-greet session with Mr. Spires on Dec. 3, at which he will proclaim his innocence and answer questions. Cookies provided.”
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“Fenster Bros. will bullishly defend Richard Roarke against charges of animal cruelty. Mr. Roarke and Randy, his pet Afghan and the subject of the criminal charge, will be available this Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Photo opportunities as time permits.”
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“Guilty? Sadly, yes. That’s why Paulson & Paulson will be offering a plea-bargain at the upcoming trial of its client, Mr. Ralph Godfrey. While proudly representing Mr. Godfrey, the firm realizes he made certain mistakes that no civilized man should make. P.S.: The firm gladly takes on innocent clients too.”
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Dana Parsons’ column appears Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Readers may reach Parsons by calling (714) 966-7821 or by writing to him at The Times’ Orange County edition, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, or by e-mail to dana.parsons@latimes.com.
